Guild Wars 2

I didn’t know which forum to post this, this is mainly a problem in WvW, but since this also effects all GtAoE in all game modes I decided to put in in the general forum. WvW has what people describe as a “pirate ship” meta. Large groups dance around each other throwing ranged attacks and GtAoE’s to weaken the other blob until one has to retreat. The problem with this is that is creates in-divisive outcomes and Melee are often the ones fairing worse.

I think the main problem in not projectile attacks which has many ways of being countered, but Ground Targeted AoE attacks. I think anyone who experience a good amount of WvW has come to the situation where the commander tells you to move forward then all of a sudden the ground between your group and the enemies group is littered with red circles. This is a very effective strategy because if the charging team wants to get through with minimal damage they will need to use endurance or simply not charge anymore. This is where “pirate Ship” meta is born.

I just wanted to voice my concern that “pirate Ship” meta is probably not the way Arena Net wanted WvW to turn into. It’s not particular fun either for melee characters.

One suggestion is make some GtAoE abilities require a projectile to reach the ground the player character has chosen before the AoE begins allowing projectile counters to be more effective in stopping ranged damage. This obviously wouldn’t be the case for meteor shower/dragons tooth/ Barrage because the damage comes from the sky, but Guardians ranged symbols like swiftness or purging flames can use a light orb and flame animation projectile before the AoE triggers. Same for necromancer wells and marks and Ele’s many AoE abilities.

Again this is just an idea, but I do think GtAoE abilities need to have some sort of counter.

11111111111111 – dodge! – 1111111111111 – double dodge! – 111111111111

I solved your problem.

If you want to get really tactical and technical, the pirate ship meta and heavy AoE bombing is completely countered and sunk by Judges Intervention. I dont know if you are EU or NA, but at least in EU high tier the meta look pretty much the same as its done for 3 years – hell we even got far more Guardians now than ever. Melee train is as strong as it has always been. The pirate ship meta only occur because people run too many ranged builds and are scared to die. So easily countered.

Elias.4028:

One suggestion is make some GtAoE abilities require a projectile to reach the ground the player character has chosen before the AoE begins allowing projectile counters to be more effective in stopping ranged damage. This obviously wouldn’t be the case for meteor shower/dragons tooth/ Barrage because the damage comes from the sky, but Guardians ranged symbols like swiftness or purging flames can use a light orb and flame animation projectile before the AoE triggers. Same for necromancer wells and marks and Ele’s many AoE abilities.

Again this is just an idea, but I do think GtAoE abilities need to have some sort of counter.

That would not shift the meta. That would shift class preferences.